MNCC SENDS LETTER TO
PRIME MINISTER REGARDING CALEDONIA

INDIAN TIME - Vol. 24 #15 - Onerahtokha / April 20, 2006 Edition - Page 3

On April 12, the Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs sent a letter to the Prime Minister of Canada regarding the land struggle at Caledonia on the Grand River Territory of the Six Nations Reserve near Brantford and Hamilton, Ontario. The letter urges the Prime Minister to use his office to set up a peaceful meeting in which a negotiated settlement can take place.

Since February 28th, Six Nations members and supporters have been camped out at the construction site's entrance near Caledonia. The protestors allege that the lands belong to the Six Nations people and are being stolen by the Canadian Government to build a subdivision. Protestors were given a court order to vacate the premises. However, the protestors have remained on the lands. The land in dispute is part of the Haldimand Tract, a tract of land granted through a Treaty to Six Nations/Grand River in 1784.

Below is the letter sent to the Prime Minister and CC: to the Governor General Michaelle Jean, and the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Jim Prentice:

April 10, 2006

The Right Honorable Steven Harper
Prime Minister of Canada
House of Commons
Ottawa, On
K1A 0A2

Dear Prime Minister Harper:

The Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs sends greetings. We write today to request your direct assistance in the ongoing land struggle at Caledonia on the Grand River Territory of the Six Nations Reserve near Brantford and Hamilton, Ontario.

We are sure that you are briefed daily, if not weekly, about this ongoing struggle. We believe that calmness and discussion must prevail over violence of any kind. We have watched and viewed the mounting tension of the people on both sides. We are all too familiar with the possible outcomes that can happen if this tension is allowed to fester. We still remember and are continuously reminded by the Media, about the Ipperwash incident where a life was lost and others ruined. We, here in Mohawk Territory, still remember vividly the so-called "Oka Crisis" of 1990 only sixteen short years ago and are reminded constantly that these types of situations can escalate if allowed to continue.

We urge you, Mr. Prime Minister, to use your office to set up a process whereby the people of Six Nations can meet with you, your Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and perhaps the Governor General to have real viable discussions and to collectively find a peaceful, negotiated settlement to this issue, as well as those other ongoing grievances that the people of Six Nations have.

We realize that, as a new Government, it may seem overwhelming for you with all the difficulties facing your people across Canada. However, as a new Government we would hope that you would want to have a new better relationship with the First Peoples of Turtle Island.

We believe that, as a new Government, you would like to start fresh and establish a relationship that serves both people well, a relationship built on agreements made in friendship and not confrontation. We ask that you begin a viable discussion with the Traditional Chiefs at Six Nations and truly discuss the problematic issues surrounding the Haldimand Treaty and that these discussions take place as soon as possible.

We also ask that in the meanwhile, as a measure of good faith, all police activity in and around the area of Caledonia, be as minimal as possible in order to de-escalate the tension so that meaningful discussion can take place. We are also available to assist, should the Traditional Chiefs at Six Nations request our involvement.

We hope that this letter finds you well and in good health and we look forward to meaningful discussions and the re-establishment of the principals of the Silver Covenant Chain of Friendship between your people and ours.

In Peace & Friendship,
The Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs

CC:
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean
Governor General of Canada
Rideau Hall
1 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A1